Spring 2007

Faculty Highlight

Name:
Bonnie McVey

Discipline:
Computer Science

Classes currently teaching:
CSCI 110 Introduction to Computer Programming
CSCI 310 Computing in a Global Society
(I am also temporarily filling in for a colleague and teaching MATH 131 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I)

Originally from:
De Pere, Wis. I was born and raised in De Pere and my mom still lives in the house that I grew up in.

Colleges and universities attended:
St. Norbert College (1982)
– mathematics
– business administration
Purdue University (1992)
– masters in mathematics
– masters and Ph.D. in computer science

Favorite movie:
I love watching “Shrek” and/or “Shrek 2” with my nieces and nephews.

Areas of interest:
Technically, I am a theorist in computer science and am, therefore, interested in algorithms and data structures, time and space complexity, and computability theory. However, I prefer to focus my energies on identifying effective means, such as the use of visualization and unique methods of collaboration among faculty and students, for improving and enhancing the teaching of computer science to all those interested in its study.

Away from computer science, I spend as much time as possible exploring and enjoying the beauty of Wisconsin and other parts of the U.S. while touring back roads on my Harley.

People don’t know that I …
Love to bake! Most of my students have eaten treats made by my mom, but few have had the opportunity to try my creations. I can make a mean triple-layer lemon-lime cake when I put my mind to it!

Describe a favorite classroom experience:
By the time computer science majors take my course Theory of Computation, they have become rather proficient in solving a wide array of problems by using computers and writing software. Near the end of this theory course, I prove to my students that regardless of how powerful computers become, there are still numerous problems that can never be solved using computers. Of course, my students are rather skeptical of this and usually a vigorous discussion follows.

What is your most interesting experience with students at St. Norbert?
My most interesting and satisfying experiences with students at St. Norbert occur during lab times. Oftentimes, students struggle with new concepts, but when there is that spontaneous “Yes!” and the struggle is over, I get to witness the joy of accomplishment. How cool is that!

What would you most like students to learn from your classes?
Computer science is a rapidly evolving field. It is essential that my students learn to adapt to new technologies and continually improve their abilities. More importantly, I want my students to learn that, through the development of software, computer scientists have significant opportunities to impact the lives of others: we have access to vast amounts of sensitive information, we have the ability to share information instantaneously, and we can develop systems that influence decision-making. We must respect the rights of others in our work.

What would you most like students to gain through their years at St. Norbert College?
I want my students to enjoy learning, be confident in exploring new opportunities, and develop an understanding of their place in the world. The St. Norbert community helped me to grow in these ways when I was a student, and I would like all of my students to have a similar, positive experience.

What book from your classes would you recommend to parents so that they can learn as their student learns and have something to discuss with him or her?
This is a tough one. Rather than choose a book, I would recommend that parents and students read the newspaper and share articles of both personal and societal importance. All too often, students are so involved with life at St. Norbert that important events and interesting occurrences are missed. (Although this seems somewhat insignificant, several of my students knew nothing of the recall of peanut butter, yet had jars on their shelves that were part of the recall!)